Current and former pupils of Ysgol Cedewain in Newtown were given a special showing of the Christmas classic ‘Elf’ at Newtown’s Regent Centre thanks to a group established to support children and their families in north Powys, parents – and the cinema itself.

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The cinema trip for some 20  people was organised by Powys Together, which is funded by the North Powys Wellbeing Programme, with the help of parents.

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Powys Together has staff working in Welshpool, Newtown, Llanidloes and Machynlleth and they worked on a number of projects over the Yuletide period.

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In Welshpool, local Powys Together officer Gwen Evans worked to arrange a Christmas Dinner for local youngsters - which they enjoyed at the Welshpool Integrated Family Centre (in the former Oldford Nursery and Infant School).

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And in Newtown, Donna Jenkins of Powys Together worked with the Regent Centre to arrange the matinee screening of the Yuletide favourite.

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Parent Amy Bowen also helped organise the cinema trip. She commented: "The Christmas trip to the cinema was a truly heart-warming experience. Spirits were high and everyone was excited to have a really special Christmas treat of having the cinema to ourselves and choosing their drinks, popcorn and snacks. Parents and carers were relaxed and seeing our young people together, being able to do what young people do reminded us of how important social opportunities like this are. It was especially touching to see past pupils of Ysgol Cedewain reunited with old friends.

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Amy added: “The most moving part that I won’t forget is the final scene of the film, where strangers in New York’s Central Park help a broken Santa’s sleigh to fly by showing their Christmas spirit as one by one, they start to sing “Santa Claus is Coming to Town.” This was echoed in the cinema as everyone spontaneously began to sing along in chorus together. I’m getting goosebumps thinking about it! The feeling of togetherness kept us buoyed for days afterwards as parents messaged to thank me for helping to organise it and what a lovely time they all had." 

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Ysgol Cedewain is a school for children with additional learning needs and construction of a new building for the school is currently underway.

 

Photo 1:  Young people enjoying a special cinema screening at the Regent Centre in Newtown.

Photo 2: Enjoying a free Turkey dinner at Welshpool.